Submitted by Florida Memorial University Alumni
JACKSONVILLE, FL. Florida Memorial ended its trip to Duval with a doubleheader split against NCAA Division II rival and fellow HBCU Edward Waters. After the close 14-15 loss in game one, the Lions struggled in game two, losing 5-9 before roaring back in game three to take their first win of the season 9-6 against the Tigers.
Gm. 2
FMU 5 – EWU 9
Edward Waters scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth, giving them a 4-0 lead. Two runs in the bottom of the fifth, one by catcher Eduardo Perez off a Daniel Sanchez RBI and the other by senior Raymond Rivera off a Luis Ruiz single RBI, cut the deficit in half after five innings. The Tigers added five runs to their lead in the bottom of the seventh, padding their gap on the Lions. FMU mounted a charge in the top of the ninth, first by a run from freshman Adrian Astudillo, followed by runs from Sanchez and Queens native Ernie Farrell to bring the lead down to 5-9. Unfortunately, time ran out for the Lions as they would drop game one of the doubleheader and the series against the Tigers.
Junior Carlos Solano started on the mound for the Lions and in six innings allowed five hits and four runs while striking out two Tigers. Boynton Beach native Jamal Johnson came in relief and allowed four hits, five runs and struck out two Tigers in 0.2 innings before Tokyo native Ryudai Watanabe finished the game for FMU, allowing one hit in 1.1 innings. In total, five Lions scored runs for FMU, one run a piece, while Ruiz led the team in hits with three.
Gm. 3
FMU 9 – EWU 6
The Tigers opened game three with three runs in the bottom of the first, which was followed by a scoreless second and third inning. The fourth inning is where FMU shined, starting with a Perez home run. Rodriguez answered with a 2 RBI that scored Astudillo and catcher Alejandro Fernandez to tie the game 3-3. Another 2 RBI, this time from infielder Pheron Charlton, scored Rodriguez and Gianni Tusa to give FMU its first lead of the contest. An RBI from Sanchez scored Charlton to increase FMU’s lead while a Perez RBI scored Sanchez for the seventh run scored by Florida Memorial in the top of the fourth. EWU answered with three runs in the bottom of the fourth to make it a one-run game after four innings. Two runs scored in the seventh, each by Tusa and Rodriguez gave the Lions a 9-6 lead, which they would hold to grab their first win of the season.
Junior William Hiciano started on the mound for the Lions and in three innings allowed 10 hits and five runs while striking out one Tiger. Freshman Jonah Guinto came in relief and in two innings allowed four hits and one run while striking out two Tigers. Oklahoma native Stephen West finished the game for the Lions and in one inning allowed one walk while striking out two Tigers.
The doubleheader split moves FMU to 1-2 on the young season.
The Lions return to action Friday, February 16 where they’ll travel to New College of Florida to take on the Banyans in a four-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. in Sarasota, Fla.
Submitted by Florida Memorial University Alumni
MIAMI GARDENS, FL — Head softball coach CJ Combs enters her second season leading the FMU softball program. She’ll begin the 2024 campaign on Saturday when they’ll take on NCAA Division II opponent, Clark Atlanta.
After her first season with the Lions in 2023, Combs led FMU to a 12-win season, earning 10 more wins than in 2022. She’ll look to build on that season which included two first-team all-conference selections. Combs is no stranger to success, as she won a conference championship with Talladega College along with a Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Coach of the Year award.
This year’s squad consists of a mix of new and returning faces. Some new editions include infielder Leneaya Silva and 2024 SUN Conference player to watch Mariana Gongora. For returners, 2023 all-conference selections Breanna Reyes and Ciara Justice return for their third and second seasons with the team.
Combs began her FMU journey in September of 2022 when she was named only the second head coach in the softball program’s young history.
First pitch is scheduled for Saturday, February 3 at 4 p.m. at Walt Frazier Park at Carol City – 3201 NW 185th Street – Miami Gardens, FL 33056. A win would mark the first time in program history the team has won a season opener.
Submitted by Florida Memorial University Alumni
LAKE WALES, FL / No. 17 Florida Memorial avenged an earlier loss with an 84-75 victory over Warner at the Turner Athletic Center. The win marks the 18th victory of the season for the Lions, who improve to 18-4 overall.
FMU guard Derrius Ward was sensational as he produced a team-high 27 points on 12-of-18 shooting from the field to go along with four assists, two boards, two blocks and two steals while teammate Latavious Mitchell produced a double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 11 rebounds for the Lions, who improve to 5-3 in SUN play.
Both Ward and fellow guard Jaiden Guice connected on three 3-pointers each while the latter finished with 13 points. Raheem Carter produced a near double-double, finishing with 12 points and nine boards for FMU.
Florida Memorial was once again dominant on the block, generating 42 points in the paint compared to just 26 for the Royals. FMU’s bench also outscored Warner’s bench 22-9 in the victory.
The Lions return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 7 as they host St. Thomas in the Battle of Miami Gardens. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. at the FMU Wellness Center.
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